Baked Macaroni and Cheese

Source: Taste of Home

Click here to read about my experience making this recipe for my state meal challenge!

Servings: 8

Total time: 1 hour

INGREDIENTS

• 16 oz elbow macaroni, cooked al dente
• ⅓ cup + ¼ cup butter, divided
• 6 Tbs flour
• 1 tsp dijon mustard
• ¼ tsp nutmeg
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
• ¾ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp pepper
• 4 ½ cups milk
• 4 cups white cheddar cheese, shredded
• ¾ cup Italian bread crumbs

DIRECTIONS

• Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
• In a saucepan or Dutch oven, melt the ⅓ cup butter over medium heat. 
• Whisk in the flour, mustard, nutmeg, cayenne, salt, and pepper to create a roux. 
• Gradually stir in the milk and bring to a boil, stirring constantly until thickened.
• Add the cheese and stir until melted.
• Add the macaroni and stir to combine.
• Grease a 9×13 baking dish and pour the macaroni into it. 
• In a small bowl, microwave the ¼ cup butter to melt. Stir in the bread crumbs.
• Sprinkle the bread crumbs over the top of the macaroni.
• Bake uncovered for 30 to 35 minutes or until heated through and topping is toasted. 
• Let it sit for about 10 minutes, then serve warm!